US closely monitoring situation in Paris: Pentagon

WASHINGTON: The US is closely monitoring the situation in Paris, the Pentagon has said after the deadly terrorist attacks in the French capital that has killed at least 39 people.

"The US Defense Secretary, Ashton Carter, was briefed late this afternoon on the attack in Paris. He is closely monitoring the situation," Pentagon Press Secretary Peter Cook said yesterday.

"At this point the Pentagon is not aware of any Defense Department personnel involved in this tragedy," he said.

Carter hopes to talk with his French counterpart, Minister of Defense Jean-Yves Le Drian, this weekend.

The series of attacks have killed at least 39 people in Paris.

"All of Paris needs our prayers tonight," Paul Ryan, Speaker US House of Representatives said in Twitter.

Bernie Sanders, a leading Democratic presidential candidate said everyone is horrified by the cowardly attacks against innocent civilians in Paris.

"The reports from Paris are harrowing. Praying for the city and families of the victims," Hillary Clinton, the Democratic presidential candidate said in a tweet.

"My prayers are with the victims and hostages in the horrible Paris attacks. May god be with you all," said Donald Trump, the leading Republican presidential candidate.

Top Democratic Senator Harry Reid said the terrorist attacks tonight in Paris are horrific acts on innocent civilians perpetrated by depraved individuals.

"The United States will do everything in our power to assist the French, as well as bring those responsible to justice. It appears this is an ongoing situation and we stand with the people of France during this terrible time and offer our condolences to the families of those injured and killed," Reid said.